Rosa DeLauro

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, no single action this Congress could take would have a more profound, more life-affirming impact than allocating federal funds for biomedical scientists to conduct research with human embryonic stem cells. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, brain and spinal cord disorders, diabetes, cancer--at least 58 diseases could potentially be cured through stem cell research. Diseases that touch every family here in America and throughout the world. And Mr. Speaker, I stand here as someone who understands the promise of biomedical research all too well. Having been diagnosed with ovarian cancer by chance on an unrelated doctor's visit two decades ago, I know first-hand how this research can change lives--it saved mine. It can quite literally mean the difference between life and death. Between hope and despair. To be clear, I think it is safe to say that every Member of this body is excited about the recent news regarding the scientific potential in amniotic stem cells. One can only imagine the medical breakthroughs this research has in store for us. But scientists tell us it is no replacement for embryonic research-- just as the limited number of stem cell lines President Bush made available in 2001 were not a replacement for full federal funding of this research. Indeed, this finding simply reminds us how critical it is that we pursue any and every kind of research that can contribute to our understanding of these diseases--so long as we can ensure it is performed with the utmost dignity and ethical responsibility. That is what ``expanding stem cell research'' is all about. And for sure, this legislation does just that--permitting peer- reviewed federal funds to only be used with public oversight and by only allowing research on embryos that were originally created for fertility treatment purposes and that are in excess of clinical need and will otherwise be destroyed. I believe the real moral issue here is whether the United States Congress is going to stand in the way of science and preclude the scientists from doing lifesaving, ethical research. We do not live in the Dark Ages--and nor should our public policy. With this vote, this Congress has an opportunity to show the world we are a country that believes science has the power to advance life. Mr. Speaker, I believe we are such a country. The world has always looked to America as a beacon of hope precisely because of our capacity to use our abundant resources to promote the best ideas in the world. Let's continue that tradition. Let's lead the way--let's support this bill.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it has been 10 years since this Congress last approved an increase in the minimum wage. In that time, increasing numbers of families have fallen out of the middle class, victims of economic pressures from rising health care and college tuition costs to gas prices, and an economic policy from an administration that has always seemed to push working families aside. Raising the Federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour is so important so the fundamentals of our economy remain strong. But that barely masks the troubles that families face. Household incomes are down nearly $1,300 from 2000, employee compensation at its lowest level in 40 years. This economy is not producing rising living standards for most families. Today we can expect to have the first sustained period of economic growth since World War II that fails to offer a comparable increase in wages for workers. Raising the minimum wage is not about handouts or making political statements but rather raising the earnings floor for workers in this country. Indeed, today a full-time minimum wage worker still earns only $10,700 a year. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle, we make almost $163,000 a year, and we are opposed to $2 in a raise for working families? My friends, walk in the shoes of people who work every single day for a living. This Congress in the last session barely worked 2 days a week here for $163,000 a year. Take heed. Raising the minimum wage has big consequences. You know, 4 years after the last minimum wage increase, the American economy experienced its strongest growth in over three decades. Between 1997 and 2003, small business employment grew in States that had a higher minimum wage than those with a Federal minimum wage. Mr. Speaker, it comes down to priorities. It is long past time here that this Congress recognize that we have an obligation to work to raise the standard of living in America for every single family, not just for the few at the top of the heap. That is what this legislation is about, and I am proud to support it.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 6, and commend Speaker Pelosi, the majority leader, the chairman of the Democratic Caucus, and the Rules Committee for bringing this comprehensive reform package to the floor. Indeed, with this resolution, the new Democratic majority says with one, clear voice that we are prepared to change the way Congress does business--to make good on our pledge--and restore open, honest government to Congress. With this legislation, we take the critical steps necessary to preserving the integrity of this institution, its Members and, indeed, the democratic process in this country. This November, the American people, weary from scandal after scandal, said ``enough.'' They said it was time to clean up Washington--to sever ties between lawmakers and lobbyists and elect a Congress engaged in the people's business--in improving people's lives, not 1 in securing perks and privileges for themselves. They want Members of Congress who are accountable for their actions. With this Congress--and this rules package--that is exactly what they will get. This resolution closes the curtain on an era in which legislation in this body was written not by lawmakers representing their constituents, but lobbyists paid for by special interests. It puts an end to the gifts from those lobbyists--to the free meals, tickets, and the trips and vacations they paid for. It requires complete transparency for any travel paid for by outside groups. And it tells Members of Congress that when they have to fly somewhere, they can do so not on corporate Jets, but on a commercial airline, just like other Americans. In so doing, this legislation says clearly to the American people, ``We are here to do work on your behalf, not ours.'' Mr. Speaker, it is a new day in Washington, DC. And with war, budget deficits, and the skyrocketing cost of health care and energy, there is so much we need to do to get this country back on track. But it starts with restoring the public trust in this institution, so that the American people understand that when we cast our votes, we do so with the utmost integrity. That is what this new House rules package ensures, and I am proud to support it.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, let me thank again everyone who has made this legislation such a priority in the Congress--Congressmen Issa and Levin for their leadership, as well as everyone outside this institution, particularly Sheryl Silver--she is an inspiration. I have always said that when it comes to life and death issues like cancer, Congress speaks with one voice. And today, it does. For me, passage of Johanna's Law is one big battle in a fight I, myself, have waged for 20 years. Indeed, 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer during an unrelated doctor's visit. I was fortunate to have excellent doctors who detected the cancer by accident in Stage 1, and I underwent radiation treatment for the next two and a half months. Like many survivors, the experience still haunts me today-- hardly a day goes by that I do not think about those weeks, the most difficult of my life. But I am proud to say that I have now been cancer-free for a full two decades. And so you can understand when I say I take great pride in this victory against cancer today. Great pride--because making sure no woman has to depend on luck when it comes to cancer is personal. Moments like these are why I came to Congress. And this step is so critical. Almost 21,000 women are diagnosed every year with ovarian cancer; nearly 16,000 will die. With a 45-percent 5- year survival rate, it claims the lives of nearly three-quarters of women diagnosed simply because the disease is not detected until it is too late. The tragedy is that ovarian cancer, like other gynecologic cancers, can be cured if it is detected soon enough. When ovarian cancer is detected in the early stages, 94 percent of women survive longer than 5 years, and most are cured completely. Unfortunately, women have never had a reliable and accurate method of screening for ovarian cancer in the early stages. On top of that, many doctors misdiagnose this disease, with 85 percent of women reporting they do not know which symptoms to look for. For all our progress--through research at the NIH, at the Department of Defense, and with the recent approval of the HPV vaccine--Johanna's Law recognizes that one of the most effective weapons we have to beat gynecologic cancers like ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancer is public education. In creating a federal campaign to educate women and health care providers alike, as this legislation does, we can take a bold step toward ensuring women know which symptoms to look for and how to seek help before it is too late. This legislation represents only a first step. But this is a fight every woman has a stake in--a fight the Silver family has dedicated itself to making sure we win. And so I urge my colleagues to help us pass this bill and take such an important step forward. It is, indeed, an idea whose time has come.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all my colleagues for their many years of hard work to ensure that this bill reaches the floor: Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, Congressmen Osborne, Wolf and Wamp, as well as our colleagues in the other body, Senators Dodd and DeWine. Passing the STOP Act, Congress has the opportunity to say here, enough. Enough to looking the other way when it comes to increasing problems of underage drinking. Enough of simply accepting that the average age that the kids start drinking is 13; that 7 million young people describe themselves as binge drinkers; and above all, we say enough to alcohol playing a role in the three leading causes of death among young people. It is time we do something about everyday young people engaging in behavior that leads to alcoholism. So, Mr. Speaker, that is why we need this comprehensive bill. The STOP Act will increase resources for drinking prevention coalitions like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which we know already have a positive impact on teenagers. It will fund additional research and create a committee that delivers a report card on the progress we are or are not making, and it will review alcohol advertisements targeted toward young people. And lastly the STOP Act would help us fund a national media campaign directed at adults. Too often parents ignore signs in their own children. They refuse to believe their own child could have a problem, and we need to turn that around. So I urge my colleagues, support the STOP Act. As a Member of Congress, as someone who has lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, it is time that Congress spoke clearly and decisively about reducing underage drinking in our communities. With this bill, we can and we will.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to join the Bethany community and the Rothberg family in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Laticrete International, Inc., a worldwide manufacturer and marketer of material and methods for the installation of ceramic tile and stone. Throughout their 50-year history, Laticrete has been the leader in innovative technologies for such installation systems. Their impressive history of vision and leadership, coupled with their dedication to quality products, has made them one of the most successful businesses in our community. Founded in 1956 by Henry M. Rothberg, a chemical engineer by trade, Latricrete came into being when he brought the improvements of chemistry to the normal Portland cement based installation systems for tile and stone. It was while managing a family tile, terrazzo and marble installation company that the problems inherent to installing these materials with the traditional ``full mortar bed'' became more and more evident to Henry. He decided to dedicate himself to research into alternate methods of installing ceramic tile and stone. While consulting with the Chemical Division of the U.S. Rubber Company, he developed a unique compound that had all the properties of natural rubber--elasticity, water resistance and durability, plus the properties necessary to make it viable to the construction industry-- resistance to frost and heat damage, the ability to mix with Portland cement and remain plastic for adequate working time and the ability to be stored in full or partial containers for extended periods of time without deterioration or spoilage. The new latex was introduced to the market as ``LATICRETE.'' It has been upon these pioneering efforts that all modern adhesives utilizing the Adhesive Mortar Method have been built. The innovative products of Laticrete have been used in some of the most recognizable national treasures in the world. Here in the United States, Laticrete products were used in the construction of such monuments as the St. Louis Arch, the Detroit Renaissance Center, the Sears Tower, and Washington, DC's Metro System. Laticrete products can also be found in the Basilica of Our Lady Peace of the Ivory Coast in Africa, the Petronas Twin Tower of Kuala Lumpur, Tele Diffusion de France in Paris, and the National Mosque of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. What began as one man's vision of improving a product has become an international leader in the industry--that is what Yankee ingenuity is all about. Perhaps what is most special about Laticrete is that it has become a family business that has been passed on to the next generation. In 2003 David Rothberg was named chairman and CEO, replacing his father as head of the company. I have had the pleasure of meeting David and have had the opportunity to tour the Laticrete facility in Bethany. Their tireless commitment to quality and vision is not only impressive, it is inspiring. I am honored to take this moment and recognize the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Henry Rothberg as well as David Rothberg and the entire Laticrete family for their many invaluable contributions to the industry. My heartfelt congratulations to them as they celebrate this very special anniversary. I have no doubt that Laticrete will continue in its success for many years to come.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank, again, all my colleagues who have worked for so many years to see this bill reach the floor: Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, Congressmen Osborne, Wolf and Wamp, as well as our colleagues in the other body, Senators Dodd and DeWine. This is an important moment, one in which this Congress says ``enough is enough.'' For too long we have looked the other way when it comes to the increasing problem of underage drinking, and the results of our inaction are clear. Today, the average age kids start drinking is 13; 7 million young people describe themselves as binge drinkers; alcohol plays a role in the three leading causes of death among young people; and studies tell us that the average young person today, not the troubled teen, but the average kid, is engaging in behavior that leads to alcoholism. Mr. Speaker, the time for action is now. This is a disease that starts when we are young, and it does not get better as we get older. It gets worse. That is why we need this comprehensive bill. To start with, the STOP Act will increase resources for drinking prevention coalitions like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which we already know have had a positive impact on teenagers. This bill supports them. It will also fund more research and create a committee charged with delivering a record card on the progress we are making and what we can do better. The committee will also give us a better picture of the degree to which this problem is exacerbated by advertisements targeted toward young people. Lastly, the STOP Act would help us fund a national media campaign directed to adults to make them as aware of the dangers associated with underage drinking as possible. Too often, when it comes to adults, parents think ``not my child,'' and we need to turn that around. So I urge my colleagues to support the STOP Act. As a Member of Congress and as someone who lost a family member in a drunk driving accident, it is long past time that Congress said with one voice that it is serious about reducing underage drinking in our communities. With this bill, we can and we will.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce as they honor a special member of our community and my friend of many years, Timothy Bates. Tonight, Tim will be honored with the prestigious William Crawford Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his contributions, which have not only improved the quality of life in the region, but have also enriched the lives of his neighbors. William Crawford, the former president and general manager of the Southeastern Connecticut Broadcasting Company, was not only a dedicated member of the Chamber, he was well known for his philanthropic efforts on behalf of his community. It is in this spirit that the William Crawford Distinguished Service Award is bestowed. Tim, an attorney with the esteemed law firm of Robinson & Cole, has made a difference in his community through both his professional and volunteer efforts-- exemplifying the very best of what we believe a community member should be. In a career that has spanned more than three decades, Tim has focused his career on land use, real estate, and municipal law--an area of critical importance to small communities like those found in Connecticut. He is a member and past chairman of the Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association as well as the state chair of the International Municipal Lawyers Association. Tim's expertise is often sought our by fellow bar members as well as by local planning and zoning officials. He has also made presentations to the American Planning Association on right to farm, nonconforming uses, and review of recent Supreme Court cases regarding land use law, Communities struggle to balance the competing interests of expansion and growth with maintaining the unique character of the region. Tim's work and expertise in these areas have proven invaluable to cities and towns throughout eastern Connecticut. Beyond his professional commitments, Tim has also devoted countless hours to local service organizations. He has been a member and continues to serve on the Board of Directors for such organizations as Connecticut Legal Services, the Garde Arts Center, the Mystic Community Center, the Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut and Family Services of Southeastern Connecticut. Tim and his wife, Deborah, also volunteer every summer as counselors in Pioneer Camp at Camp Wightman in North Stonington, Connecticut. Through his efforts on behalf of these and many other organizations, Tim has quietly touched the lives of thousands. I have often said that our communities would not be the same without the efforts of volunteers and this is certainly true of the generosity, compassion, and philanthropy Tim has demonstrated over a lifetime of good work. Tim does all this together with Debbie and their children, strengthening his family and community. These are special, warm people with an infectious spirit that cannot help but do good wherever they live. That is why I still cherish our work together. I cannot think of an individual who better exemplifies the spirit of the William Crawford Distinguished Service Award. I am proud to stand today to join Deborah, his children, Nathaniel, David, and Catherine, as well as the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, family, friends and colleagues in extending my heart-felt congratulations to my good friend Timothy Bates on this very special occasion. His many contributions, both professional and volunteer, have left an indelible mark on the communities and families of eastern Connecticut and a legacy that will inspire many for generations to come.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join family and friends in wishing Michael Mele the very best as he celebrates a remarkable milestone--his 100th birthday! Marking a century of hard work and dedication, today's celebration will give Michael, or Ozi Mike as he is affectionately known by family and close friends, and his loved ones the opportunity to reflect on the many accomplishments he has achieved throughout his life as well as how he has touched all of their lives, A gifted vocalist, dedicated husband and father, devoted parishioner, army veteran, and professional technician, Michael is a man of many talents that he has shared with hundreds over the course of his life. Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Michael has led a fascinating life. Upon graduating from high school, he studied voice for ten years during which time he became an accomplished tenor. Michael sang in productions of such classics as The Barber of Seville and Pagliacci and, though the relocation of the production to California prevented him from taking the part, he even won a lead role opposite Betty Grable in the movie musical Down Argentine Way, During his time with the theater, Michael also won roles in several New York productions, including An American Comedy and The Family Portrait. After marrying his wife, Carmel, in 1942, the couple raised two children, sons Michael and Robert. He served in the United States Army during World War II where he received training as a dental technician, a profession in which he was employed until he was hired by Winchester/ Olin as a lab technician, retiring in 1971. Throughout his life, Michael has held a unique devotion to his faith and his church. Michael shared his gift for singing with a variety of Catholic churches throughout New Haven. He directed glee clubs, choirs, and sang as a soloist at St. Ann's, St. Rose's, St. Brendan's, St. Donato's, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Hamden. In fact, his lifetime of dedicated efforts were recognized by the Church when Archbishop Daniel Cronin awarded him the prestigious Saint Joseph Award--the archdiocesan medal of appreciation for outstanding parishioners, An active and inspiring retiree, Michael has continued to dedicate his time to his church as well as a new found passion for horse-riding. What began--at age seventy-seven--with a gift certificate for riding lessons and later--at age eighty--a saddle, has blossomed into a beloved hobby. In fact, for a decade after he began riding, he spent his summers at the Bitter Root ranch in the mountains of northwest Wyoming. At 100 years old, Michael is a living treasure--he still rides, drives a car, maintains his own home, attends daily Mass, serves on the altar, and is finishing his twenty-sixth year as a fourth grade religious education teacher. He is even working on his autobiography which I have no doubt will be a real page-turner! Today, as Michael celebrates his 100th birthday, I have no doubt that he will look back in wonder at the fascinating events that have brought him to this moment. In the last century he has witnessed some of the most important moments in world history and, through his own efforts, has left an indelible mark on the lives of all those who have known him. It is my privilege to rise today to join his sons Michael and Robert, as well as the many family and friends who have gathered in extending my heartfelt congratulations to Michael Mele on his 100th birthday. This is a very special day for all of those fortunate enough to know Michael. My very best wishes for many more years of health and happiness. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the career of the Honorable George ``Doc'' Gunther, State Senator from Connecticut's 21st Senate Assembly District--an elected office which he has held for a stunning twenty terms--forty years! During his remarkable tenure, ``Doc'' has represented his constituents and the State of Connecticut with both integrity and dignity. Currently the longest serving member of the General Assembly, I have no doubt that his passionate, vocal advocacy will be missed by his colleagues as well as the staff--the General Assembly will not be the same without him. Throughout his legislative career, ``Doc'' has been an active advocate in many areas. He has served on the Public Health Committee since he was first elected and has spent more than thirty years as a member of the Regulation Review Committee. Growing up on the Long Island Sound, the environmental health of this natural jewel has always been a priority for ``Doc.'' He has authored several pieces of landmark legislation aimed at protecting the Sound and was instrumental in the establishment of the Bi-State Long Island Sound Marine Resources Committee of which he currently serves as State Chair. ``Doc'' also served for eleven years as the State Chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council, the largest bipartisan membership association of state legislators, and has spent more than twenty-six years as an active member and Connecticut's Legislative Commissioner for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. His knowledge of the Long Island Sound, as an economic resource and fishery habitat, has been an invaluable tool in the fight to protect the Sound from industrialization and pollution. There are few in the Stratford community or in Hartford's Legislative Office Building that do not know ``Doc.'' He is unafraid to voice his opinion and has always fought hard for those issues which are important to him and his constituents. Stratford, Connecticut, the community which ``Doc'' has represented for the last four decades, is home to the American Shakespeare Festival Theater which, unfortunately, fell into disrepair in recent years. Knowing what this cultural and historic landmark meant to the Town of Stratford and its residents, ``Doc'' spearheaded the effort by the Stratford delegation to secure half a million dollars towards the efforts to restore the Theater to its original glory. ``Doc'' has also been a leader in the effort to create the Connecticut Air and Space Museum which is located at the former site of the Stratford Army Engine Plant. The museum is a tribute to the rich history of the Connecticut aviation industry--especially the contributions of the Vought F4U Corsair used during World War II. These are just two examples of the tenacity and leadership ``Doc'' has shown throughout his tenure in the General Assembly. Though we come from differing political backgrounds, I have been proud to work with ``Doc'' for so many years. He is a force to be reckoned with and has been an outstanding public servant. It is an honor for me to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to George ``Doc'' Gunther, not only for his decades of dedicated service to public life, but for the many invaluable contributions he has made to the Town of Stratford and the State of Connecticut. His good work has left an indelible mark on our community and will benefit our state for generations to come. I wish him, his wife, Priscilla, his three children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren the very best for many more years of health and happiness.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank everyone who has made this legislation such a priority in the Congress, Congressmen Issa and Levin for their leadership, as well as Sheryl Silver for her passion and her tenacity. This bipartisan coalition is a testament to the simple fact that when it comes to life and death, life and death issues like cancer, Congress speaks with one voice. It must. This is a special moment. Whether it is a family member, a friend, or if you are a survivor yourself, each of us knows the deadly toll that gynecological cancer takes. Twenty years ago I found out for myself when, during an unrelated doctor's visit, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I underwent radiation treatment for 2\1/2\ months, and I am proud to say that I have now been cancer-free for 20 years. But no one should have to depend on luck when it comes to life and death. Right now, almost 21,000 women are diagnosed every year with ovarian cancer, nearly 16,000 of whom will die. Ovarian cancer claims the lives of nearly three-quarters of women diagnosed simply because the disease is not detected until it has reached an advanced stage. This disease has a 45 percent 5-year survival rate. The tragedy is that ovarian cancer, like other gynecologic cancers, can be cured if it is detected soon enough. When ovarian cancer is detected in the early stages, 95 percent of women survive longer than 5 years, and most are cured completely. Unfortunately, women have never had a reliable and accurate method of screening for ovarian cancer in the early stages. On top of that, not only do many doctors misdiagnose this disease, but 85 percent of women report they do not know which symptoms to look for. We have made progress, of course, through research at the NIH, Department of Defense, and with the recent approval of the HPV vaccine. But Johanna's Law recognized something critical, that until we have accurate screening methods, public education is one of the most critical weapons we have toward beating gynecologic cancers like ovarian, cervical and uterine cancer. In creating a Federal campaign to educate women and health care providers alike, as this legislation does, we can take a bold step toward ensuring that women know which symptoms to look for and how to seek help before it is too late. This legislation has been a long time coming, and to be clear, it represents only a first step. But every inch of progress we make fighting these deadly diseases gets us closer to a cure. And that is a fight that every woman has a stake in, every family has a stake in, a fight the Silver family has dedicated itself to making sure we win. And so I thank you. I thank you for helping us pass this vital bill and take such an important step forward. I was given a second chance at life. Others should have that same opportunity. It is about time

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered in extending my sincere congratulations to Robert LaTorraca as he celebrates his retirement after more than thirty years of dedicated service to American Medical Response. In each of our communities, we have emergency response services which we depend on. However, ambulatory services, like those provided by American Medical Response, are often overlooked with police, fire, and other services at the forefront of discussion and debate. American Medical Response serves more communities and customers than any other private ambulance service provider in the nation. But more importantly, the organization's employees, those like Bob LaTorraca, serve their local communities on a personal basis, as part of the community where they live and work. A graduate of Hamden High School and alumni of Quinnipiac College and Southern Connecticut State University, Bob has spent a lifetime in the community and his dedication to its protection and safety is unquestionable. Bob began his career as a field emergency medical technician with the New Haven Ambulance service and quickly earned his way to the position of Vice President of Operations. During the beginning of his career, Bob distinguished himself as an innovator by developing the first proprietary accounts receivable system in the state and establishing the first neonatal transport contract with Yale- New Haven Hospital. When, in the early nineties, New Haven Ambulance Service became one of the four founding companies of American Medical Response, Bob was named Chief Operating Officer for Connecticut and for the Northeast Operations just a few years later. Leading a team of more than eight thousand employees in 23 states prior to his retirement, Bob achieved great professional success, however, his innumerable contributions to communities in need are what set him apart. Most recently, and perhaps most notably, were the actions he took following two of the most devastating events in our Nation's history. On September 11, 2001, he personally led a contingent of American Medical Response personnel from both Connecticut and New York to support of Fire Department of New York, and, just this past year, Bob has made a number of trips to assist in the on-going relief efforts in Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Bob has also left an indelible mark on his own community with his outstanding efforts on behalf of a variety of local organizations and committees. The Hamden Fire Commission, the Shirley Frank Foundation, the Clelian Adult Daycare Center, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving are just a few of those who have benefited from Bob's support. The myriad of awards and citations that he has been honored with are testament to his enduring commitment to our community. I have often said our communities would not be the same without the efforts of those who dedicate their time and energies to making a difference. Bob is a reflection of all that we want our community members to be. His compassion, generosity, and faithful service has touched countless lives. It is an honor for me to stand today to join his wife, Marby; his children, Maresa, Rob, and Jared; as well as the family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered today in extending my sincerest thanks and appreciation to Robert LaTorracca for all that he has given to our community. He is an inspiration to many and leaves a legacy that will continue to have a positive impact on the lives of others for generations to come. I wish he and Marby the very best as they enjoy his retirement and many more years of health and happiness.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join all administration, staff, and the New Haven community in extending my sincere congratulations to the Hospital of Saint Raphael as they mark their l00th Anniversary. The Hospital of Saint Raphael is one of New Haven's leading employers as well as one of the largest providers of healthcare in Connecticut. As we commemorate this remarkable milestone, we also celebrate all that the Hospital of Saint Raphael has brought to our community and look forward to the innovations that are sure to come in the future. Since its founding by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth 100 years ago, the Hospital of Saint Raphael has grown from a 12-bed facility to a 511-bed community teaching hospital. The Sisters came to New Haven at the request of a group of local physicians who asked that they administer a hospital that would be open to all--all members of the medical profession and any patient, regardless of race, creed, color, or economic status. The Hospital of Saint Raphael, named for one of the few archangels recognized by many faiths and who has been long revered as a patron of the sick and healing, has built on this original vision and has become a local leader in providing quality healthcare to all members of our community. In addition to meeting the general healthcare needs of their patients, the administration and staff have developed a myriad of outreach programs designed specifically to ensure that those most in need--those who are the most underserved--are educated about healthcare and have access to the care that they need. It is that special vision that has driven the success of Saint Raphael's and how they continue to make a difference in our community. Over the course of my career I have been proud to stand with the leaders of Saint Raphael's--those like my dear friends Sister Louise Anthony, Sister Anne Virginie, and David Benfer--to work with them to bring both local and national attention to a number of healthcare issues facing our communities. Devoting their lives to the Sisters of Charity, Sister Louise and Sister Anne brought not only their compassion, but a unique dedication to the mission of Saint Raphael Hospital. Sister Louise began her time at Saint Raphael's as a nursing student and retired as the chief executive officer. It was under the leadership of Sister Louise that the Hospital of Saint Raphael opened the first freestanding, self contained radiation therapy treatment center in New England as well as became the first community hospital in Connecticut to perform open-heart surgery and open a coronary care unit. Beginning her career as associate administrator, then as president of the hospital. and finally as president and chief executive officer of the Saint Raphael Healthcare System, Sister Anne provided Connecticut residents with the highest quality health care. Today their outstanding leadership is followed by David Benfer who, during his tenure of six years, has enabled Saint Raphael's to further its reputation as a clinical pioneer in cardiac, cancer, orthopedic, neurosciences, and geriatric services. The Hospital of Saint Raphael has been a long-standing champion of efforts to bring awareness to lawmakers of the seriousness of today's healthcare crisis as well as the plight of uninsured Americans. Saint Raphael's and its staff were also one of the leading advocates for and were instrumental in the passage state legislation which protects women from the dangers of drive through mastectomies. This is an issue which I have taken an active interest in at the federal level and I am grateful for the support I have received from the Hospital, its staff and its leaders. It is this kind of advocacy, compassion, and commitment to quality healthcare that has made Saint Raphael's such a success over the last century. It is a privilege for me to rise today to pay tribute to the invaluable contributions the Hospital of Saint Raphael has made, not only to our community, but to the healthcare community as well. I am proud to extend my sincere congratulations to this outstanding institution as they celebrate their centennial anniversary. I have no doubt that in the years to come, the Hospital of Saint Raphael will continue to be a leader in the healthcare industry and a vigilant advocate on behalf of those most in need.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, earlier this monthy, our country lost one of its most vibrant political forces--a woman of remarkable intellect, principle and--to be sure--wit. Regardless of who you were or whether you agreed with her politics, you could not help but admire and respect Ann Richards for who she was and what she accomplished. She was one of a kind--and she was my friend. The twelfth woman ever elected Governor in the United States and the first elected in Texas in her own right, Ann Richards was a trailblazer--a pioneer who never wasted a minute of her 73 years. Like few others, she was a force of nature--always pushing forward. And whether she was raising her four children, teaching high school and college, working to elect women to the Texas Legislature when there were hardly any, or training women candidates and campaign managers, Ann Richards made opportunity real for women--something I learned for myself, when she came to Connecticut to help me highlight the issues important to the women in my community. There I saw firsthand how she understood that the political process was a powerful force for change. But you did not have to be a woman or a student to admire and learn from Ann Richards. The secret to her success as simple as it was elemental. Indeed, as much as Ann Richards's wit made people laugh, more importantly, she made people think. She challenged our society and believed we could always make it better, fairer, more just. And Mr. Speaker, for someone so relentlessly quotable, no one will ever say that Ann Richards could not also walk the walk. During her campaign for Governor, Ann said she would be the face of ``New Texas'' and believed that government ought to reflect the diversity of its citizens. When she left office 4 years later, 46 percent of her appointees had been women, 15 percent were African-American, and one- fifth were Hispanic. And most importantly, her successors have since followed her example. ``New Texas'' is now the standard. Ann Richards blazed a path taken now by women in all corners of society--in the well of the United States Congress and in Governor's mansions in States like Delaware and Michigan. In corporate boardrooms and in homes all across America. And most of all, at Planned Parenthood, where her daughter Cecile not only carries on her mother's irrepressible passion for women's advancement--she builds on its very foundation. I cannot think of a legacy more fitting than that. And so, Mr. Speaker, today we thank Ann Richards--for her fight, her tenacity and her special, unwavering sense of purpose. We should all make such a mark so extraordinary.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to bring to my colleague's attention a New York Times editorial that comments on the recommendations by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) for reforming the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The editorial contends that IOM has wisely called for a significant increase in financing and personnel to correct the imbalance between the funds and staff devoted to approving new drugs and the smaller resources available for post-market surveillance. The editorial also observes that, even when problems arise, the agency virtually has no authority to regulate drugs on the market unless there is overwhelming evidence that they are unsafe. The IOM report, The Future of Drug Safety, confirms what many of us in Congress have been arguing all along--that FDA authority needs to be strengthened and that the agency relies too heavily on negotiations with industry. The recommendations outlined in the IOM report reflect the initiatives that many of us in Congress already have proposed, including: requiring post-market surveillance of drug products; requiring a moratorium on direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising; and eliminating conflict-of-interests involving members of FDA advisory committees. This report provides independent verification that Congress must act to implement the changes that are needed at the FDA. Congress will have the opportunity next year to make an immediate impact when it considers the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA). Congress should strongly consider IOM's PDUFA recommendation that a portion of the user fees be diverted to specific safety-related performance goals. I ask that the New York Times editorial be inserted in the Record. [From the New York Times, Sept. 28, 2006] Prescription for a Stronger F.D.A. A prestigious advisory group has put its weight behind criticism that the Food and Drug Administration is pitifully weak when it comes to removing dangerous prescription drugs from the market. Last week, a panel appointed by the Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Sciences, issued a slew of recommendations to strengthen the beleaguered F.D.A. as it struggles to regulate a huge array of medications whose ill effects sometimes show up only after years of wide use. The institute's report, which was requested by the F.D.A., deplores the big imbalance between the money and staff devoted to approving new drugs and the much smaller resources for monitoring drugs after they are on the market. The imbalance results in part from the pharmaceutical industry's providing user fees that pay for expediting the approval process, but not for monitoring the aftereffects. Worse yet, even when it spots a problem, the agency has very little power to regulate drugs on the market unless there is overwhelming evidence that they are unsafe, which is seldom the case. Although the nation is mired in budget deficits, the institute was wise to call for a large increase in financing and personnel for this crucially important regulator of public health. If Congress is too stingy to ante up more money, it should at least divert some of the drug industry's user fees to surveillance after a drug's approval. The panel calls for the F.D.A. to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of drugs that are truly new, not just copycats, at least once every five years. It wants the agency to be given explicit power to compel post-marketing studies and to impose fines, injunctions and withdrawals to enforce its decisions. In a departure from conventional wisdom, the panel also urges the F.D.A. to require that a substantial majority of the members of each of its advisory panels be free of significant financial involvement with companies whose interests might be affected. That undercuts the agency's claims that there are not enough experts without ties to the drug industry.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the many family and friends who have gathered to celebrate the 85th birthday of our dear friend, Howard A. Fromson. Inventor, artist, and philanthropist, Howard has spent a lifetime enriching the lives of others. He has and continues to make outstanding contributions to our community and society. The founder and CEO of Anocoil Corporation, Howard's entrepreneurial and innovative spirit has ensured that his company remains at the forefront of lithographic plate technology. He is credited with conceiving and patenting the universally used silicated anodized lithographic printing plate--used in commercial and newspaper printing throughout the world. Under his leadership, Anocoil has become and remains North America's largest independent manufacturer of lithograph plates, providing products and services to a variety of leading publishers in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Founding the company in 1957, Howard has never left behind his inventive nature. As an inventor in electrochemistry and process metallurgy, Howard holds more than 100 U.S. and foreign patents in his field. Throughout his life, Howard has made many contributions through his professional career, however, he has also brought joy and wonder to our communities through his artistic and philanthropic work as well. His artistic works which marry sculpture form and function are displayed in museums throughout Connecticut including the Wadsworth Museum of Art and the New Britain Museum of American Art. In fact, a pair of his tetra chairs is part of the planned Lincoln sculpture walk along the Connecticut River in Hartford. Howard has always believed in the importance of giving back to the community which is why he established the Howard A. Fromson Foundation. A strong supporter of public education, he created the Fromson Scholars Program which has helped send over 400 teachers from Connecticut to the Taft School to study science, math, computer applications, and foreign language. This program has allowed hundreds of our teachers to improve their own skills which have been of great benefit to the thousands of students they have and will continue to instruct. In addition to these educational initiatives, Howard, both through the Foundation and personally, has generously supported cultural and health institutions throughout the Greater Hartford Area. His outstanding efforts on behalf of our teachers and public education system were recognized by both the Connecticut Commissioner of Education and the Connecticut State Board of Education and in 2002 he was honored by the Hartford Business Journal with their Accolades Award for Individual Giving. I have often said that our communities would not be the same without those individuals who selflessly dedicate their time and energies to making them better places to live and work--individuals like Howard Fromson who has quietly touched the lives of many and made all the difference in our community. I consider myself fortunate to call him my friend and I know that sentiment is shared by many. Today, as he celebrates his 85th birthday, he also reflects on a lifetime of invaluable contributions and endless generosity--a legacy which is sure to inspire others. It is with my heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes that I join his wife, Sandy; his children, Michele, Michael, Timothy, and Brett; his seven grandchildren; family and friends in this wondrous celebration.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on September 7, a champion of our community, someone who had waged and won countless battles for people, lost one of her own. Donna Kammritz was a friend. But even more than that, she was someone who stared down adversity with a passion, principle and tenacity. Whether it was her brave fight against cancer, a disease I too have fought, or her impassioned commitment to the rights of working people, Donna never stopped. She always fought. She may not have won every battle, but she never gave in. Indeed, it was through her volunteer work as director of research for The Organization for the Rights of American Workers, TORAW, that I first met this remarkable woman. A mother of two daughters, Heather and Rachel, Donna's job had just been sent offshore. She lost her health insurance, and she had just been diagnosed with cancer. At a moment when most people would have thrown in the towel, Donna fought back. She faced her cancer with courage. She drew upon her personal experience with outsourcing to infuse TORAW with the energy and focus we needed to elevate the issue to the national level, and she did so for as long as she could. Donna helped bring together the entire Connecticut delegation, Republicans and Democrats, to press the government to start confronting the issue of displaced American workers. She was a proud mother who wanted nothing more than to see her daughters attend college, and she did. Donna understood something elemental: that when you protect workers' rights, you strengthen families, you strengthen communities. Mr. Speaker, today, let us say thank you to Donna Kammritz for her gifts, for her selfless dedication and for her love of the things that we hold so dear. May her inspiration live on in all of our work.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation that would ban the practice of injecting packages of meat with doses of carbon monoxide to give it an artificially fresh appearance. The sole purpose of this practice is to deceive consumers into purchasing and potentially eating meat that looks fresh, but could be spoiled. This week, the American Meat Institute announced the results of two studies claiming that carbon monoxide is safe to use in meat packages and urged opponents to concede their position and end the debate. Indeed, the carbon monoxide gas itself may be safe and would not cause harm to consumers. However, when the gas is injected to deceive customers into purchasing meat that could be months past its freshness date, then there is no doubt that it would be harmful to consumers. These studies released by AMI are an intriguing contribution to the debate. One of them was funded by the beef industry. The other study was conducted by an AMI ``expert consultant'' who has received numerous grants from AMI, and also received an AMI scientific achievement award. Therefore, the results of these studies should not calm consumer fears and definitely should not cause opponents of this practice to end the debate. In 2004, the USDA and FDA approved the use of carbon monoxide through an informal process without a full public comment process and without regulations specifying conditions of use. As a result, meat labels do not indicate whether meat has been treated with carbon monoxide-- leaving no way for the consumer to know whether they are purchasing fresh meat. Meat producers explain that the carbon monoxide process is safe and that it helps cut costs that result from discarding meat that has begun to turn brown, but still is safe to eat. That certainly is an understandable position. However, ground beef treated with carbon monoxide still could have the appearance of being fresh months after its `sell-by' date. There also have been instances in the past where stores have misrepresented the freshness of their food long before the carbon monoxide process was introduced. Supporters of the carbon monoxide process explain that smell is a better indicator of spoilage than color and consumers should base their purchases on the `use or freeze by' date as the best guide. This is true; however, it should be noted that this date on meat packages is not based on any scientific or regulatory guidelines, but is determined by the industry. Also, why should consumers be subjected to the hassle of bringing meat home from the grocery store, opening the package to determine if it still is fresh, and returning it if it is spoiled? Canada, Japan, and the European Union already ban the use of carbon monoxide in meat packages. I look forward to working with you to also protect American consumers from this deceitful practice. During a time when we have begun to question the safety of prescription drugs, let's ensure that consumers do not have similar concerns about the food they buy.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, if my colleague that just spoke on the other side of the aisle cared about the minimum wage, she would have signed the discharge petition so we could have had an up-or-down vote on the minimum wage. Mr. Speaker, if ever the American people needed evidence that the Republican Congress is putting politics before what is good for the American people, this is it. This is a cynical gimmick. It is designed to kill any increase in the minimum wage. It is an excuse for vulnerable Republicans to go home this August claiming they cast a vote in support of raising the minimum wage without actually impacting the life of a single family earning it. Mr. Speaker, why must we make this debate about an estate tax that the country cannot afford, one which would benefit 7,500 families nationwide? Only 7,500 families. What we want and what we need is an economy that produces a rising living standard for most American families, and right now, with rising interest rates, high gas prices, skyrocketing health care costs and a slowing housing market, it makes no sense whatsoever for the Congress to tether a modest increase in the minimum wage to billions of dollars in an estate tax cut for those who do not need them. This measure shows contempt for the public interest, especially when the minimum wage has not been raised since 1997, when its purchasing power stands at its lowest in a half century. Meanwhile, the Congress has voted to increase its own pay nine times since 1997. I cannot remember a single time this body's attached its own pay increase to controversial legislation that the other party rejects outright, and I suspect it is not an accident. For Democrats, this is simple. If this Congress can get a raise, the American people ought to be able to get one as well, and we should be able to vote on that with a clear up-or-down vote, no attachments, no gimmicks. Oppose this rule.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of every woman who has ever had to leave the hospital within 24 hours after undergoing a mastectomy, and to urge that the House consider the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act. It is a bipartisan bill which will ensure that patients have the health care that they need following breast cancer surgery. The statistics say it all. A woman in the United States has a 1-in-7 chance of developing breast cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in America. And just this year, over 269,000 women will receive a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer. Despite these numbers, women are often forced by their insurance companies to leave the hospital less than a day after mastectomy surgery, when they are still in pain, groggy from anesthesia, and with drainage tubes that require professional attention. Mr. Speaker, the last thing that any woman should be doing at this time is fighting with her insurance company. Two days of recovery time in the hospital should not be negotiable. Just 2 days. And ultimately that decision should be up to the patient and her doctor. We should pass into law the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act to ensure that women do not have to fight for their recovery time in the hospital.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, no single action this Congress could take would have a more profound impact on life than increasing Federal funds for biomedical research, biomedical scientists to conduct that research with human embryonic stem cells. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, brain and spinal cord disorders, diabetes, cancer, at least 58 diseases could potentially be cured through stem cell research, diseases that touch every family in America and in the world. I stand here as someone who understands the promise of biomedical research all too well. Having been diagnosed with ovarian cancer by chance on a doctor's visit two decades ago, I know firsthand how medical research can save lives. It saved mine. It can quite literally mean the difference between life and death, between hope and despair. Are there moral issues to consider with respect to stem cell research? Absolutely. But let us not confuse them with the ethical safeguards that this legislation does put in place, allowing research only on embryos that were originally created for fertility treatment purposes and that are in excess of clinical need. By permitting peer- reviewed Federal funds to be used with public oversight, we can have no doubt that this research will be performed with the utmost dignity and ethical responsibility. The moral issue here is whether the United States Congress is going to stand in the way of science and preclude scientists from doing lifesaving research. We do not live in the Dark Ages. With this vote this Congress has an opportunity to tell the world that we are a country that believes science has the power to advance life. I believe we are. By allowing the President to stop this research from going forward, we risk something very precious. Mr. Speaker, the world has always looked to America as a beacon of hope precisely because of our capacity to combine the best ideas in the world with abundant resources. Let us continue that tradition. Let us lead the way. Support the veto override.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and to honor the memory of my uncle, Joseph Nicola DeLauro. I spoke on this floor when he was honored by the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada when they named him founding director emeritus of the school of visual arts, the first such title the university has bestowed. Joe DeLauro died this past weekend, and I wanted to take this moment to honor his lifetime of creative works, and I recall my earlier words. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Joe DeLauro attended Yale University where he received his bachelor's degree, and later gained his master's at the University of Iowa. He was a sculptor, perhaps best known for his work depicting the archetypal figures from the far past and the Bible. Much of his work, including crucifixions, pietas, virgins, baptismal fonts, stone reliefs, and stained glass windows had been commissioned by churches, convents, schools, and other largely religious institutions. However, you can also find many pieces throughout the public spaces in his home of Canton, Michigan, and in private collections throughout the world. Internationally recognized for his talent, he was honored by organizations in the United States, England, and Italy. Exhibitions of his work have been displayed in New York, Italy, and Canada. But perhaps his most important contribution was through his work as a teacher. I have often spoke of the need of talented, creative educators ready to help young people learn and grow. This is especially true for the fine arts, where the talent of young artists must be nurtured and encouraged for them to realize their dreams. A professor of art at both Marygrove College and the University of Detroit in Detroit, Michigan, Joe DeLauro spent the majority of his career as an educator at the University of Windsor. He came to the university in 1960, where he began Windsor's fine arts department. Through his efforts as head of the department, he gained for the institution its right to grant a bachelor of fine arts degree, the first degree-granting privilege of its kind to be granted to an Ontario university. For this accomplishment, he was credited with the founding of Windsor's school of visual arts. In his 20-year career with the University of Ontario, he helped to shepherd hundreds of students through the demanding maze of discipline, taste, and scholarship, and off to their own careers. Mentor, friend, and educator, there was no better example of what a teacher should be. To be bestowed with the title Founding Director Emeritus was a reflection of the respect, gratitude, and appreciation Joe DeLauro earned throughout his career at the University of Windsor. His extraordinary artistic and academic career leaves an indelible mark on the university, and his spirit will forever live on through the school of visual arts, a legacy that will touch and inspire thousands for generations to come. I join with the entire family of Joseph Nicola DeLauro in their sadness and in their joyful remembrance of a unique person. Honored in his time and ours, I offer these comments on the floor of the House of Representatives as part of the eternal record of this good man.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the two and a half million grandparents acting as primary caregivers to their grandchildren. In fact, across the country there are more than 6 million children living with a grandparent, or others living in relative-headed households. I commend those who courageously step forward on a daily basis to care for these children, keeping them out of foster care while providing safe, stable homes. Subsidized guardianship programs allow children to leave foster care for the permanent care of nurturing relatives. Through subsidized guardianship we are able to place a child with a grandparent or other relative who becomes the legal guardian, while at the same time, providing the guardian the financial resources to provide for the child's basic needs. In its report, ``Fostering the Future,'' the national, nonpartisan Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care recommended that Federal guardianship assistance be provided ``to all children who leave foster care to live with a permanent legal guardian.'' That is why I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 3380, the Guardianship Assistance Promotion and Kinship Support Act, which would allow the use of Federal funding to support subsidized guardianship programs. In my own State of Connecticut, 6 percent of the children live with non-parent relatives. Although, grandparents and other relative caregivers often represent the best opportunity for providing a loving and stable childhood for the children in their care, their hard work and dedication too often go unnoticed. Today I offer my deepest appreciation for the dedicated service of these caregivers to our country and our Nation's most valuable asset, our children. And I commend Generations United for all their outstanding work in helping improve the lives of and create opportunity for our children.

Ms. DeLAURO

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This amendment, which I offer with Mr. Inslee, would provide $10 million for several newly authorized Violence Against Women Act programs, including $2 million for children exposed to violence, $2 million for youth services and $1 million for the national tribal sex offender registry, as well as $5 million for the Sexual Assault Services Program. The House last year voted almost unanimously to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which dedicated $50 million for the Sexual Assault Services Program, funding vitally needed. It was the first Federal program to provide direct funding for counseling, legal accompaniment, training for law enforcement, and the prevention and education services that rape victims rely on. Sexual violence remains a problem in this country. Rape remains the only violent crime to still be on the rise. One out of every six women are raped or sexually assaulted in their lifetimes, more than 200,000 in 2004 alone. Worse, only 36 percent of victims say they reported the crime to the police. Those most likely to be raped or sexually assaulted are young women between the ages of 16 and 24, women with their whole lives ahead of them. This one act of violence will alter their lives forever. But absent proper treatment and timely counseling, it could destroy any possibility of a healthy life, resulting in depression, addiction, eating disorders and even suicide. The need to take action is now. When Congress recognized the need to authorize this program, it was one time when we spoke with one voice in this body. While the program was authorized at $50 million, the underlying appropriations bill includes no funding for it whatsoever. We can take a small step toward following through on a commitment for direct services with this amendment, to get funding where it is needed most, to rape crisis centers. Let us start to truly make go ahead on this commitment that we made. And by simply redirecting $5 million from the Department of Justice general administration account to this program, we can give these women hope that there are better days ahead. Let us pass the amendment and let us do it today. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee).

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.